Can dietary changes help with microscopic colitis?

Microscopic colitis is an inflammation of the bowel lining that doctors can only see under a microscope. It is often possible to treat this condition with medication, but dietary and lifestyle changes may also help reduce or prevent symptoms.

The symptoms of MC tend to come and go, and diarrhea can last for weeks or months. In some people, the condition may resolve without treatment. The cause of MC is still not clear.

In this article, we consider whether dietary changes can help treat MC and look at which foods to eat and which to avoid. We also cover other lifestyle changes and medical treatment.

Can diet help?

It is important to drink plenty of water during episodes of microscopic colitis.

Researchers are currently studying the possible connection between diet and MC.

So far, there is little evidence to suggest a link between what people eat and the symptoms of MC. Researchers in Sweden published a study in 2016 that followed 135 people with MC over the course of 22 years and monitored their intake of the following:

protein

carbohydrate

sucrose

saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fat

omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids

fiber

zinc

The researchers were unable to find an association between any of these dietary components and MC.

Foods to eat

There are currently no dietary guidelines for people with MC. However, despite limited research into the topic, there is some interest in the use of probiotics.

Probiotics

Some researchers have suggested that probiotics may benefit people with MC because these bacteria and yeasts can help relieve symptoms of other gut conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis.

However, there is only limited evidence that probiotics or other foods that increase beneficial gut bacteria may help treat MC. More research into probiotics is necessary to confirm their effectiveness for people with this condition.

People with MC should talk to their doctor before trying probiotics.

Water

It is important that people drink plenty of water or other liquids during episodes of MC. The body loses fluids during bouts of diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. Drinking enough water is also essential for many bodily functions, including digestive processes.

Foods to avoid

Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, may irritate the bowel and trigger symptoms.

Certain foods and drinks may irritate the bowel and worsen or trigger symptoms in people with MC. In particular, some people may find it beneficial to avoid caffeine, lactose, and spicy foods.

Foods and drinks that contain caffeine can include:

energy drinks

coffee and tea

cola

chocolate

Foods and drinks that contain lactose can include:

milk, buttermilk, and cream

yogurt

cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream

soft cheeses

ice-cream

Keeping a food diary can help people identify any foods that trigger or worsen their symptoms.

A doctor or dietician can also recommend a diet plan to suit an individual’s needs based on their symptoms. For example, if a person has fatty or oily stools, a doctor may recommend a low-fat diet.

People may need to stick to an elimination diet for several weeks before they notice any improvement in their symptoms. Some people may also benefit from eating smaller meals more frequently, as opposed to having three large meals a day.

Fiber

For people with MC, doctors may recommend a low-fiber diet to help manage diarrhea. Fiber aids the passage of food through the digestive symptom. In some people, a low-fiber diet may help relieve symptoms of diarrhea during an episode of MC.

Foods that are high in fiber include:

beans, pulses, and peas

nuts and seeds

potatoes

raw fruits

raw vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach

whole-wheat or whole-grain bread, cereals, pasta, and rice

It is best to speak to a doctor or dietician before adopting a low-fiber diet. They can provide advice on which foods to avoid.

Gluten

In people with celiac disease, eating foods containing gluten causes digestive symptoms similar to those of MC, including diarrhea and abdominal pain. People with celiac disease are more likely to have MC than people without this condition.

A person with MC should see their doctor for a blood test to rule out celiac disease. There is no cure for celiac disease, but a gluten-free diet will help minimize or prevent symptoms.

Gluten is a general name for the proteins that are naturally present in wheat, rye, and barley, which are types of cereal grain. People with celiac disease should avoid foods that contain gluten, such as:

breakfast cereals

most types of bread and pasta

cakes and pastries

many processed foods

Specific types of carbohydrate

Certain carbohydrates, including fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs), are difficult for the body to digest and can cause digestive symptoms. People on a low-FODMAP diet avoid foods containing these carbohydrates. These foods include some:

fruits and vegetables

dairy products

wheat and rye products

sugars and artificial sweeteners

Although there is little research relating to MC specifically, a low-FODMAP diet can help relieve symptoms in people with other digestive disorders, such as IBS.

Anyone wanting to try a low-FODMAP diet should speak a doctor or dietician first.

Other lifestyle changes

Drinking too much alcohol may increase the risk of developing microscopic colitis.

Researchers believe that excessive alcohol consumption might increase the risk of developing MC. Some people with MC may find that avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption improves their symptoms.

Smoking can increase the risk of a range of digestive disorders, including MC, or make them worse. Doctors usually advise people with MC who smoke to quit this habit.

There is not yet any scientific proof that medications can cause MC. However, research suggests that there is a strong association between MC and certain medications, including some anti-depressants, several cardiovascular drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

A doctor can provide information on which medications may worsen or trigger symptoms of MC. It is essential to always speak to a doctor before stopping any prescription medications.

Medical treatment

Medications are generally effective in treating MC. In addition to recommending dietary and lifestyle changes, a doctor or gastroenterologist may prescribe:

medications that reduce or prevent diarrhea

corticosteroids and other drugs that treat inflammation

antibiotics

immunomodulators and anti-TNF therapies

Many doctors consider budesonide, a type of corticosteroid, to be the most effective medication for treating MC. A 2014 review reported that budesonide was effective at relieving symptoms in up to 80 percent of people with MC after 8 weeks. However, symptoms can return once the course of medication is complete.

Takeaway

There is only limited research on which foods may help or worsen MC. Keeping a food diary can help a person identify and avoid any foods that seem to trigger symptoms. People should avoid foods containing any substances that they are intolerant to, such as lactose or gluten.

It is vital to drink plenty of water during episodes of diarrhea to prevent dehydration. People with MC may also benefit from reducing their caffeine intake and eating a balanced and healthful diet. Quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol may also help.

If medications or dietary and lifestyle changes are not helping, it is best to speak to a doctor.